Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act

Bill Number

S. 3669

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-01-15: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Last Updated

2026-02-10T00:08:36Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act aims to promote healthier, sustainable school meals by establishing pilot programs that encourage 100 percent plant-based food and nondairy milk options in public schools. It focuses on supporting low-income students and expanding accommodations for various dietary needs, while boosting local and underserved agricultural producers.

Key Provisions

• Pilot Program for Plant-Based Meals (Section 2):
• Creates a grant program under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to fund eligible school food authorities (schools serving at least 50% students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches) in offering 100 percent plant-based breakfasts and lunches.
• Defines "100 percent plant-based food option" as meals using plant-based meat substitutes (per federal regulations) with no animal products or byproducts (e.g., no meat, dairy, eggs, honey, or fish).
• Grants last 3 years, with varied amounts awarded based on applications that include evaluation plans and strategies for culturally appropriate meals.
• Priority for grants goes to schools serving high numbers of low-income students, those partnering with community organizations or producers, incorporating plant-based education in classrooms, or using organic options.
• Funds can cover: staff training on preparing and serving plant-based meals, employee compensation for training or extra work, student education (e.g., taste tests, recipes), and procurement from local or underserved producers (e.g., beginning farmers, veterans, socially disadvantaged groups, organic farms).
• Requires recordkeeping of plant-based meals served, annual reports from schools on participation and impacts, and a summary report to Congress from the Secretary of Agriculture.
• The Secretary must provide technical assistance for best practices and resource sharing.
• Authorizes $10 million for fiscal year 2026, available through 2030.

• Pilot Program for Nondairy Milk Substitutes and Dietary Accommodations (Section 3):
• Expands school meal rules to better accommodate "special dietary needs" (non-medical preferences, such as religious or ethical reasons, beyond just disabilities).
• Allows students (not just parents or guardians) to request accommodations.
• Establishes a grant program reimbursing schools for the full cost of nondairy beverages (e.g., plant-based milks) as milk substitutes in meals.
• Priority for schools with high lactose intolerance rates or demonstrated dietary needs.
• Requires annual school reports on usage and a final Secretary report to Congress summarizing impacts.
• Program sunsets (ends) 3 years after enactment; authorizes $2 million for fiscal year 2026.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends Section 18 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act by adding a new subsection (d) for the plant-based pilot, introducing definitions, grant structures, and reporting not previously present.
• Modifies Section 9(a)(2) to broaden accommodations for dietary needs: inserts language for "medical or special dietary needs," allows student-initiated requests, removes outdated subparagraphs on enforcement and waivers, reorders others, and adds the nondairy milk pilot with a definition of "special dietary need."
• These changes shift from disability-focused accommodations to include ethical, religious, or preference-based needs, and introduce targeted funding for plant-based alternatives without altering core meal reimbursement rules.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will administer the pilots, process applications, provide technical support, and report to Congress, increasing administrative workload but with dedicated funding. Actual implementation depends on congressional appropriations.
• Citizens: Low-income students (especially in high-poverty schools) gain access to plant-based and nondairy options, potentially improving nutrition, reducing food waste, and addressing allergies or preferences. Schools may enhance nutrition education, fostering long-term healthy eating habits. Local plant-based producers could see increased demand and income.
• International Relations: No direct impacts; the bill focuses on domestic school nutrition and U.S. agriculture.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• School Food Authorities: Public schools in low-income areas, responsible for applying for grants, implementing changes, and reporting outcomes.
• Students and Families: Particularly low-income, lactose-intolerant, or those with ethical/religious dietary preferences, benefiting from inclusive meal options.
• Agricultural Producers: Underserved groups (e.g., beginning, veteran, or socially disadvantaged farmers), organic farms, and local plant-based food suppliers, who gain procurement opportunities and economic support.
• School Staff: Food service personnel receive training and compensation for adopting plant-based menus.
• Community Partners: Nongovernmental organizations, community groups, and educators involved in collaborations, outreach, and classroom activities.
• USDA and Congress: Oversee program execution, funding, and evaluation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens federal guidelines for school meals by integrating plant-based options into existing reimbursement frameworks (e.g., referencing USDA regulations on meat alternates), potentially setting precedents for future nutrition pilots. The sunset clause limits long-term commitments, allowing evaluation before expansion.
• Constitutional: No apparent challenges; operates under Congress's spending power for child nutrition programs, promoting equity without infringing on rights.
• Political: Advances sustainability and health equity by prioritizing underserved communities and producers, aligning with broader environmental goals (e.g., reducing animal agriculture's impact). Could spark debates on dietary mandates versus choice, or support for plant-based industries, but remains voluntary through pilots.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]

Cosponsors (3)

Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

Recent Actions

• 2026-01-15: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
• 2026-01-15: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act — issued 2026-01-15 — PDF (13 pages)